VTA asks Congress to pass transit bill VTA asks Congress to pass transit bill (January 16, 2004)

Local transit agency would improve current network
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is calling on Congress to make its number one New Year's resolution the quick passage of a transportation reauthorization bill that includes more investment for all transportation modes.

According to VTA officials, the reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, also known as TEA-21, is one of the largest and most anticipated bills currently pending in Congress. TEA-21 is scheduled to expire on Feb. 29.

In November 2003, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced legislation that could provide a total of $375 billion over the next six years in federal transit and highway funding to communities across the nation.

"This is the perfect time for all of us to resolve to work with our members of Congress to secure adequate federal investment in our transportation systems,'' noted Santa Clara County Supervisor and VTA Board Chairman Don Gage.

"This is one New Year's resolution that will benefit every resident and every American for many years to come -- and Congress needs to make it a reality now,'' Gage said.

The bill's reauthorization directly impacts the ability of VTA to maintain, improve and expand the South Bay region's transportation network, according to Gage.

If the VTA continues to receive federal funding, it has made a list of priorities for that funding's use, including the BART extension to San Jose, the implementation of a Zero-Emission Bus Demonstration Program, as well as providing connections from the Mineta San Jose Airport to BART, Caltrain and VTA Light Rail.

Highway projects the VTA has marked as priorities include improving the Interstate 880/Coleman Avenue interchange, widening state Highway 87 and improving the intersection of Highways 152 and 156 in South County.

"Increased federal investment in transportation will serve as a major economic driver by creating jobs and promoting local economic development,'' Gage continued.

"Studies have shown that every $1 billion invested in transportation infrastructure supports approximately 47,500 jobs.

Congressional passage of a new long-term transportation reauthorization bill that invests in badly needed and long-overdue transportation infrastructure projects will make 2004 a very happy New Year for all our residents,'' Gage said.
-- Bay City News

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